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Monday, February 15, 2016

DeLean Tolbert PhD Student: Engineering Education

DeLean Tolbert is a 4thyear PhD student studying Engineering
Education. Her main reason for choosing Purdue was the INSPIRE Research
Institute for Pre-College Engineering Education Research. The INSPIRE institute
at Purdue focuses on “pre-college engineering education research and
integration with science, technology, mathematics, and literacy.” The School of
Engineering Education at Purdue is the first program in the world of its kind.
DeLean comments “I really liked what Purdue had to offer. I am happy with my
decision.” Her favorite part of Purdue includes “the relationships that I have
formed during my time here. I really love people and love learning about
people.”

While an undergrad, DeLean had several
internship opportunities through NSBE, Inroads, and her personal mentors that
include interning at GE-Transportation, DTE Energy, Verizon Wireless, and the
Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP). She adds “I have also
done tons of research. I just love it!!”

After graduation, DeLean is looking into
finding a faculty position. She says “we need more faculty members of color in
our colleges of engineering. I really hope to show other students like me that
we can be in positions like that.” DeLean would also like
to open a family business with her siblings and travel the world. Her dream job
includes serving as a liaison between various communities and becoming an
advocate for reconciliation and collaboration. “Regardless of my job, I want to
be a bridge builder.”

On campus, DeLean is involved with National
Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Collegians for Jesus, Chi Alpha, and Black
Graduate Student Association (BGSA). During her free moments, she enjoys
spending time with her family and learning to play the keyboard, which she
plays for her Bible Study. DeLean’s passion for her work and her love of life
are contagious. She says it best herself: “I have learned to give credit where
it is due. So I thank God for the opportunity to come to Purdue, to learn and
to meet so many people from different walks of life. Keep moving forward! You
will make mistakes along the way. Of course, work to make things right but
don’t let that keep you down. Remember to celebrate your accomplishments. We’ve
got work to do.”

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